State Department Shuts Down Embassy in Central African Republic

iStockphoto/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- The State Department announced on Thursday it temporarily closed the U.S. Embassy in the capital of Bangui, in the Central African Republic.

According to a statement by State Department Spokesperson Patrick Ventrell, "The U.S. Embassy in Bangui temporarily suspended its operations on December 28 as a result of the present security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR). We have not suspended diplomatic relations with the Central African Republic."

Ambassador Wohlers and all staff have left the country, and the State Department is warning American citizens not to travel to the country due to violence in the capital city.